Will You Wear 2012’s Hottest Color?

Color-lovers around the world have already heard the latest news in hues—2012’s hottest shade is the muy caliente Tangerine Tango. A much more vibrant tone than 2011's salmon-colored Honeysuckle, the new saturated red-orange hue emanates heat and passion. During fashion week last September, designers Jen Kao, Wes Gordon, and Peter Som swiped, painted, and streaked the orange tone on lips, nails, and hair for their spring 2012 shows. "Beauty and fashion are so intertwined, you couldn't think of one without the other,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute and one of the world's leading authorities on color. "Because we're living in tougher times, people need a little color and excitement—it’s an energetic shade.”

Leatrice leads one of the most prestigious color forecasting companies in the world, but how exactly do they predict the future’s popular hues? It's a trickier process than you may think. "Forecasters look at the big picture. We're in different cities looking at various cultures—we see how color is used globally," says Leatrice. "We also do some pretty pragmatic research to scout the latest trends, films, and current events. What's popular in home furnishing or car finishes? What new technologies and textures are out there? We really have to look ahead."

We’re already peering into spring, when Pantone will launch their first-ever Color of the Year beauty collection in collaboration with Sephora. "We've paid careful attention to accurately represent Tangerine Tango in a range of textures and finishes," says SVP of Sephora Merchandising Margarita Arriagada. The limited-edition range will feature an eye shadow quad, harmonized eye liner set, lipstick, lip gloss, nail polish, and Pantone accessories.

We can’t wait for this collection to launch in March, but if you’re craving a quick Tangerine Tango fix, Beautylish recommends Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish in Wake Up, Milani Color Perfect Lipstick in 42 Mandarina, and Nars Blush in Exhibit A.